Lens Confusion

[d2dave]

I am soon going to purchase a DSLR camera. I have done my research and decided which camera. As for lenses, I am really confused. I can purchase a camera body only for around one $K. I can purchase it with a 16-50 mm lens for $1550. Alternately I can purchase an 18-250 lens for $640(same manufacturer)

So camera with 16-50= $$1550. Same camera with 18-250= $$1640, $90 more. Am I right to assume that the 18-250 will do what the 16-50 will do as well as eliminate the need to muck about changing lenses like a twin lens kit?

For example, say a twin lens kit comes with a 16-50 and a 50-250, would this not be the same as a single 18-250

[33chinacars]

Usually better off with a single lense unless you want a fast lense ie f-2 or simular. Twin lense kits are built down to a price. 18-200 or 18-300 would be a good all round lense that you dont have to change

Am I right in thinking that the 18-250 is a Tamron. You may be better off getting a lense from the camera maker. It will cost a bit more but usually better quality.

Gary

[d2dave]

Thanks Gary. The lens is a Sony.

Sony DT 18-250mm f3.5-6.3 Lenses Digital World International (http://www.dwidigitalcameras.com.au/astore/Sony-DT-18-250mm-f35-63-Lenses.aspx)

The camera will be a Sony Alpha A77. Are there any risks involved in purchasing off the net from some one like this?

Sony Alpha A77 Body Only Digital SLR Cameras Digital World International (http://www.dwidigitalcameras.com.au/astore/Sony-Alpha-A77-Body-Only-Digital-SLR-Cameras.aspx?afid=1&utm_source=shoppingdotcom&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shoppingdotcomDWI)

[s7000]

No risk from DWI. I have purchased a lot of gear off them.

Just make sure you keep each order under $1000 or you will get hit with the duty.

Ie. Order the camera, then the lens a few days later.

[Benz]

only other thing you might find from a 18-250mm lens is the size of it.

I know my nikkor 18-200mm is quite bulky and heavy.

I do love the lens however :) and personally never find it too big and bulky.

are yet to play with the sony dslrs. what made you go sony?

oh and yes the twin lens kits are usually made down to a price.

[d2dave]

I have been agonising over whether to get a Nikon, Canon or Sony for months. A bit like my recent Landrover purchase. I agonised for at least 18 months on a Defender or a D3. Guess what, I got a D2.

Back to the camera. It is a bit hard to pinpoint the reason due to the decision been made over months of reading reviews etc. A couple of things I do remember. The electronic view finder sounds good and the ability to focus fast during burst mode, as I will be doing a bit of sports stuff. My son just played in the winning GVFL premiership yesterday and he played a great game. I got a few shots using my piece of crap point and shoot camera. I would have love to have had this A77 then.

Having read a lot of reviews, a lot of owners of Cannon and Nikon who have purchased the Sony love it.

[33chinacars]

Looks good Dave. I've got Nikon DSLR & Canon compact cameras . Sony say they are going to over take both Nikon & Canon in digital cameras and have some very good products. As long as your happy with your choice thats all that matters no need to get into a war as to which brand in better. As long as your choice suits your needs. But think ahead to future needs as well. What other lenses may I need, macro / wide angle / super fast / super long range & external flash etc.

Only reason I went with Nikon DSLR is that I already had 3 Nikon film cameras. Had been very happy with Nikon but having said that at times Canon have had some lenses that Nikon didn't have.

Anyway good luck with the Sony , I'm sure your will be happy with it

Gary

[d2dave]

I have thought of another feature that is important to me, that being the flip out screen. My cheapie point and shoot has this and I use it a lot

[Chucaro]

Ok, if a Sony is your pick then avoid kit lens (like in any other camera manufacturer kit lens are not good) and shop for old Minolta lens compatible with your Sony. Some of the Minolta lens are fantastic including the 50mm
Have a look THIS (http://www.dyxum.com/lenses/index.asp) site

[d2dave]

Would this lens be any good?

http://www.dwidigitalcameras.com.au/astore/Sony-DT-18-250mm-f35-63-Lenses.aspx

[Chucaro]

Dave, have a look comments HERE (http://photo.net/sony-minolta-slr-system-forum/00NBvU) about the lens.

[d2dave]

Didn't really tell me a lot. It was a thread with a question that did not really get answered. It was more of a dispute as to who makes it.

[33chinacars]

Check this out. Not a full review but some info.

Sony DT 18-250mm F3.5-6.3: Digital Photography Review (http://www.dpreview.com/products/sony/lenses/sony_dt_18-250_3p5-6p3)

Gary

[d2dave]

Thanks Gary. I did a bit of research last night and found a few reviews. They ranged from a good lens to excellent lens. I think this is exactly what I want. It is small enough to carry around, should give me enough zoom for what I want and it will save the hassle of having to carry two around and having to be changing them. And at the end of the day I am not out to win any photo awards, I just want a good camera with some decent glass.

Have you had any experience with this reviewer? He really rates this lens

Sony 18-250mm f3.5-6.3 Review - AlphaMountWorld.com (http://www.alphamountworld.com/reviews/sony-18-250mm-f35-63-review)

Also the on line mob you said that you had used. Are there any issues with warranty should some thing go wrong? What about after warranty has expired and it needs fixing? Can it be done locally?

[33chinacars]

Have you had any experience with this reviewer? He really rates this lens
Not known to me but he seems to know what he's on about ??

Sony 18-250mm f3.5-6.3 Review - AlphaMountWorld.com (http://www.alphamountworld.com/reviews/sony-18-250mm-f35-63-review)

Also the on line mob you said that you had used. Are there any issues with warranty should some thing go wrong? What about after warranty has expired and it needs fixing? Not me
Can it be done locally? Have used Camera Clinic in Melbourne a number of times. I'm happy with their work on my Nikons

Hi Dave the most important thing is the quality of the lense. As long as the body has the features you need / not want brands dont matter. Except for service and backup.

I used a very old Practica for many years before getting my first Nikon film camera. Have only just gone digital in the last 2 years and still learning .

The Sony body / lense combo looks pretty good and should last many years. Even if you out grow it and move up to something better in a few years time it will still be a good backup kit.

Gary